Christmas 2004-New Year's 2005

The Twentieth Annual

Can you believe it? The first Houston Mirror newsletter debuted in 1985, the same year David was born. Ever since then, weÕve sent the family news, sometimes monthly, sometimes quarterly, and lately, only annually as JohnÕs fingers allow. But you, dear reader, always respond so graciously, and we appreciate the kind words of all our readers, in all parts of the world. (Maybe weÕll send the Lagniappe to the international space station this year.) So, for more news thatÕs ÒOut of this worldÓ keep reading, dear friend.

What kind of big news will we be presenting? Michelle graduated from Univ. Dallas with a major in French and a minor in business; David finished his first year and a half at Mercer Univ., Julie is halfway through her senior year of high school and looking college square in the face; John and Phyllis took their 25-year anniversary cruise to the Caribbean. Plenty of news for one year, donÕt you think?

Web Wonder

Many of you have computers and access to the web, so you probably already know to look at photos and news on the Comeaux family web page called Lafayette Life. ItÕs easy to get to; type www.johncomeaux.com and youÕll see photos, plus occasional tidbits of JohnÕs wit and wisdom. The wit will be scarce, and the wisdom will be the tidbit. But the photos will be abundant, and youÕll be treated to an occasional song from Julie. Plus (wow, does it ever end?) you can see links to DavidÕs own web site he shares with Jon Breaux, and JulieÕs own online journal. As the song goes, who could ask for anything more?

Good Knight!

Knights of Columbus - youÕve heard of them, but what are they? John joined the Knights in order to give back to the community from the many blessings he has received. This organization provides service to God and community through many avenues: prayer, visits to the sick, food drives, support of vocations, individual donations, and more. As a novice, I have much to learn, but the men I am associated with have the highest goals in mind - to help as many people as we can. And the Knights seem to do it all in a very low-key manner.

President Bush praised the Knights for their long history of service when he addressed the national council this year. The Knights are examples of people helping others without government intervention or regulation, so that the greatest good can be realized.

Phil is a busy gal

Phyllis has been a busy lady, as you probably know. In addition to being the director of Rehab at WomenÕs and ChildrenÕs Hospital in Lafayette with 16 employees to manage, and a full-time physical therapist (because of a shortage of therapists), she is attending a Neural Developmental Therapy class in Houston that meets monthly for three full days of instruction and hands-on training. Despite this rigorous schedule, she is plowing on. Tired, yes. Exhausted, at times. But determined to reach the end of this difficult time to be able to say, ÒI did it.Ó

Michelle from Afar

Our oldest child Michelle is no longer a child. She is currently spending a school year in Lyon, France, as an assistant teacher in a high school. Teaching will not be her profession, but it was a job that the Fulbright Institute enabled her to get. She is meeting many Brits, Scots, and Irish, and making friends among them. Michelle is a gregarious, thoughtful person who loves to meet new people and experience new places. She will be well-travelled at the end of this tour of duty. Although we missed her greatly at Christmas time, we spoke on the phone. Her college roomateÕs family the Parkers, traveled to Spain and celebrated Christmas there, so she was able to join them and feel the love of a kind family during this special time. We are very grateful to them. Speaking of the end, she is definitely coming back to Dallas in May, and will seek employment there or somewhere that she can meet new people and travel.

News from a Young Heart

Julie is still taking voice lessons, and her sound is improving. Ask her to sing Ave Maria for you sometime. She is examining many universities and possible college majors. The two currently in the running are music and interior design. Of course, school pales in comparison to parties and having company. Julie created the entire Thanksgiving feast this year, with help from MikeÕs rice dressing and GrandmŽreÕs yams. And anytime we need party planning, she jumps into action.

College Man

David will be finishing out his second year at Mercer Univ. in Georgia, and making a big decision on whether to continue or transfer to LSU. Keep watching. One factor that will surely influence the decision is the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity that David has joined. He has made many friends with similar interests (engineering, music, hacky sack, service to others), and is proud of the high goals and achievements of the group (highest GPA in Mercer, etc.)..

Final Blessing

We hope for you, dear readers, love, joy, and peace in 2005. God Bless You, every one.